At First Minister’s Questions today, The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives has called on the First Minister to increase funding for flood defences in Welsh communities following devastating flooding over the weekend.

Darren Millar MS paid tribute to the emergency services, the local authority teams, faith groups and volunteers for their response to the floods. Mr Millar also urged the First Minister to protect these communities now, not many months from now, or in many years from now and called for emergency funding to be made available to help people get back on their feet.

Commenting, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said: “The flooding in Monmouth this week has been devastating and my thoughts go out to all those affected. Whether it’s business or people’s homes, the road to rebuilding will be heartbreaking for many.

“As these communities recover, we need to see emergency funding made available to help people get back on their feet and get businesses operating again in these all-important weeks in the run up to Christmas.

“The Welsh Labour Government has been incredibly generous to those affected by disasters overseas, but communities here in Wales now need support."

Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has also spoken in the Senedd today about the flooding caused by Storm Claudia.

During a statement by the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs on Storm Claudia, Mr Fox outlined his gratitude to the emergency services, local authority teams, and community groups for their efforts over the weekend.

The Monmouth MS highlighted the severe challenges faced by local businesses, including one that lost over £65,000 in bookings and another that lost £20,000 in stock.

He also drew attention to the human toll in Monmouth and Skenfrith, where residents have been displaced by flooding and now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. In Skenfrith, this marks the fifth flooding incident in as many years.

Mr Fox urged the Welsh Government to provide support for affected residents and businesses, while reiterating the need for a long-term solution.

He called for targeted business support, including a break in business rates for impacted traders, funded by the Welsh Government.

Mr Fox, has said:“The events we have seen unfold in Monmouth, Skenfrith, Abergavenny and across the county have been nothing short of devastating.

“Monmouth has seen nothing like this for over 50 years, and my heart goes out to all those affected, but unfortunately for Skenfrith, this is happening too often, and something must change.

“Today provided the first opportunity to discuss the response and action from Welsh Government as to how they can support those impacted by these terrible events, and I was pleased to lead the response to this statement.

“I have called for a break on business rates for impacted businesses, and financial support for affected residents and communities.

“I am committed to securing every possible measure of support from the Welsh Government for those affected, and my office remains fully committed to assisting everyone through this difficult time.”